Canadian, Mexican Agriculture Leaders to Take Part in USDA’s 2019 Outlook Forum

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the agriculture leaders of Canada and Mexico will speak at USDA’s 95th Agricultural Outlook Forum, held Feb. 21-22, 2019, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Minister Lawrence MacAulay of Canada and Secretary Victor Villalobos Arambula of Mexico will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for the forum’s keynote address on February 21. The plenary session will mark the first time the three ministers have spoken jointly at a public forum since the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in November 2018.

“I’m delighted to have Minister MacAulay and Secretary Villalobos join me at the forum. This will be an opportunity to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and rural communities in North America. Trade has been a powerful force for supporting farm income and rural communities in all three countries. This meeting gives us a chance to focus on how the USMCA will facilitate agricultural trade among our three countries,” Perdue said.

This year’s Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed “Growing Locally, Selling Globally,” highlights current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets. It offers a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Concurrent sessions will explore topics such as global trade trends, innovations in agriculture, developments in animal and crop biotechnology, frontiers in conservation, and outlooks for food and commodity markets. An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations. Last year, nearly 1,600 stakeholders attended the forum.